Submarine vessel



G. DORFFEL. SUBMARINE VESSEL. APPL |CATION FILED MAY 14. 1919.

Patented Apr. 6, 1920, 4 SHEETSSHEET 1- G. DORFFEL.

SUBMARINE VESSEL.

APPLICATION FILED MAY14, 1919.

INVENTOR amfiazpm-m By W ATTORNEYS ENE fl I I i 3 8 mm W. W

FICE,

GEORGE DORFEEL, 03: OAKLAND, CALIFQPt-NIA.

SUBMARINE VESSEL.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 6, 1920.

Application filed May 14, 1919. Serial No. 287,015.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, GEORGE DonrrnL, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Oakland, in the count-y of Alameda and State of California, have invented a new and Improved Submarine Vessel, of which the following is a full, clear and exact description.

This invention relates to new and improved submarine vessels, and has reference more particularly to a submarine mother vessel in combination with a secondary or offensive submarine, and means whereby the second submarine can be transported by the mother vessel. The invention also relates to the combination with a mother submarine transport vessel of a plurality of offensive submarines releasably carried by the mother vessel, and capable of independent operation when released.

An object of the invention is to provide a submarine vessel of great cruising radius, having a high factor of safety, and by means of which great areas of sea can be covered for offensive military purposes.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for safely and expeditiously transporting a considerable number of small but powerful offensive submarines from place to place, so that a great number of such offensive submarines can be made effecthe for military purposes at distances far greater than their own cruising radii.

A. still further object of the invention is to provide a mother submarine vessel having means for transporting a secondary submarine vessel safely and quickly, in which the secondary submarine vessel can be securely carried against accidental displacement, in which the secondary submarine vessel can be quickly and safely released or launched when necessary, and in which the secondary submarine can be easily and expeditiously returned to a normal position with respect to the mother vessel.

The invention consists in the construction and combination of parts to be more fully described hereinafter and particularly set fort-h in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, in which similar characters or reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views, and in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of an embodiment of my invention. showing the mother submarine, the secondary or offensive submarines, and a lifeboat;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the invention as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section showing part of the mother submarine, one of the cribs or carriers for the secondary submarines, and a secondary submarine in the crib;

Fig. 4 is a vertical, longitudinal section showing part of the crib and one of the secondary submarines;

5 is a transverse section on the line of Fig. a;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, horizontal section of a detail of construction, showing the means for communication between the mother submarine and one of the secondary submarines when the same is in position in a crib;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation, partly in sect-ion, showing a detail of construction.

it has been demonstrated that the military value of submarine war vessels depends to a very great extent on their cruising ability and the range and distance which they can cover without returning to a home port for supplies, fuel and the like. Therefore, in order to produce a submarine vessel of the greatest military value it must be of great size and capacity, and is, accordingly, expensive to build. The military effectiveness of such vessel is no greater than that of a smaller one, provided the smaller vessel can be transported to the point of op eration with the same feasibility as in the case of the larger vessel. Furthermore, submarine attack on fleets or convoys is far more effective if made by a number of submarines. If a large number of small submarines could l e placed in position for such an attack the results vould be far greater than if a smaller number of larger submarines were employed for the same purpose. it is the spirit of my invention to provide a submarine mother v el capable of transporting a considerable iumber of small submarines armed for offense, so t rat, in effect, these small submarines are given great cruising radii incidental to the cruising radius and capacity of the transporting mother vessel. By providing a great number of small submarines the area of sea which can be covered for defensive or offensive purpose is very greatly increased.

Referring more particularly to the Cl121w ings, Figs. 1 and Q. the mother submarine vessel of my invention is in general of the customary type and is preferably of large size, power, and cruising radius. It has the usual submersible hull A but. is provided at each side with a plurality of substantially cylindrical cribs or cradles B, each designed to receive one of the smaller offensive submarine vessels 0. The cradles B are preferably disposed along the length of the hull 'A, from a point somewhat forward of 'may be armed for offense, for example by means of a turret G having one or more pieces of ordnance K.

The cradles B, illustrated more particularly in Figs. 3, 4: and 5, are of substantially circular cross-section, but have fiattened sides, so that the vertical diameter is greater than the horizontal diameter. The cradles are rigidly secured to the hull A by means of upper and. lower braces and 21 having respectively extended feet 22 and 23 afi'ording firm attachment to the cradle 13 and the hull A... It will be understood tha the general construction is of metal customary in vessels of this kind. It will. be seen that the cradles of each group are substantially parallel and overlap. The inner walls of the two after cradles are extended at B as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, for the purpose of protecting the stern oi the mother submarine, and to assist in guiding the secondary submarines into and out of these cradles. Each cradle is provided at the inside with a plurality of rails or skids 24: extending longitudinally of the cradle and mounted in position between angle irons 25. These skids are of wood or other suitable material and serve to protect the cradle and the secondary submarine from injury. I also provide at the outside of each cradle a pair of chafing strips or rails 26 likewise secured between angle irons 9 7 to protect the outside of the cradle and the secondary submarines when the latter are being moved into and out of the cradles. Each cradle has at its inner or forward end a V-shaped head 28 terminating in a substantially rectangular socket 29. A transverse brace member 30 extends between the wall of the hull A and the outer wall of each cradle and contacts with the socket 29 to stiffen and brace the member 28 which is designed to receive the bow of the secondary submarine C, the stem 31 of which fits into the socket 29. The lower and upper central skids or rails 2a cooperate respectively with the keel 32 and a central deck flange 33 of the secondary submarine, as is clearly shown in Fig. 5. The central, lateral rails 24: are somewhat deeper than the other rails and fit fairly close to the sidewalls of the hull of the secondary submarine to minimize any lateral movement or rolling when it is being introduced into or withdrawn from the cradle.

The secondary or small olfensive submarine C is shown more fully in Figs. 3, i and 5. It has the usual elongated hull 3% which may be subdivided into compartments in the usual manner. In general, the characteristics of this type of submarine are those which have been developed by the usual practice to date. It is preferably provided for offensive purposes with a pair of suitable torpedo tubes 35, and has any propolling power plant 36 adapted for the pur pose. I have shown as an exemplified embodiment of the propulsive mechanism of the submarine C, a propeller shaft 37 having the customary propeller 3S and connected by suitable chain gearing 39 with the shaft 40 of the power producing mechanism. This, in the submarine C, illustrated for example herewith, is manually driven by means of a hand crank 41 connected by means of suitable chain and other gearing e2 to the shaft a0. Vertical and horizontal rudders 43 and 14: are provided, which are controllable by the usual mechanism, which need not be described in detail. For example, the steering wheel 45 is operatively connected with the post of the ri'idder 4% by means of tiller cables 46. A diving rudder 417 at the forward, under part of the submarine is controlled by a pivoted yoke 48 and a hand wheel 49 having a worm connection 50 with the yoke 48, the latter having links 51 for operating the rudder 47.

An air pump 52 is operatively connected by chain gearing 53 with the shaft 37. By means of a telescopic air inlet pipe 5st projecting through the wall of the submarine and connected with the air pump, the air may be renewed when desirable or necessary.

The submarine C has in the deck the usual hatch 55 adapted to be closed by a suitable hatch cover 56 which can be securely fastened in position and manipulated from the inside. The hatch cover securing means consists preferably of a bolt 57 passing through a yoke 58 and removably connected with the inside of the hatch cover. However, any other suitable mechanism for this submarine, from the top of the cradle. The latter has a hinged hatch cover 60 for the hatch 59.

It will be understood that the secondary submarine C has the usual operating devices such as a periscope 61, and the like.

In order to afford safe access to the secondary submarine C from within the hull A of the mother submarine, for example when the latter is submerged, the hull A has an opening 62 in its wall, at each of the cradles. In this opening is removably fitted a conical member 63 having at its wider end, that is within the hull A, a laterally extending flange 6 which fits against the cover plate 65 slidably mounted in upper andlower channel shaped guides 66 mounted upon brackets 67 secured to the inside of the wall of the hull A. A closely fittin ring 68 embraces the member 63 and fits against the wall of the hull A. A secondary ring 69 fits closely around the member 63 between the ring 68 and the flange 64. Suitable means are provided for clampin the cover plate 65 against the flange 64, consisting for example, of bolts 70 extending through suitably fixed yokes 71 and having heads 72 engaging the inner face of the plate 65.

An opening is provided in the wall of the submarine C, substantially registering with the opening 62. A combing 73 is arranged at the opening in the wall of the submarine C and has a laterally extending flange 74. The combing is shaped to conform to the hull of the submarine C and has a central opening adapted to receive the tapering, smaller end of the member 63. A frame 7 5 is arranged about the opening in the hull of the submarine G, at the inner side thereof and has a pair of spaced, ofi'set guides 76 between which is movably received a cover plate 7 7 adapted normally to close the opening, and having suitable means 78 whereby it can be securely clamped in a closed position. The cover plate 77 can be moved slidably in the guides to uncover the opening when communication is desired between the mother submarine and the secondary one. A collar plate 79 is arranged about the opening (32 at the outside of the hull of the sub-' marine A, and'has a central opening shaped to receive the member 63. The combing 73 fits against the collar plate 79.

In order to hold the submarine C securely in place when it is in the cradle, I provide a plurality of securing devices consisting of hook bolts 80 passing through the side wall of the submarine and having the laterally disposed extremities 81' adapted to engage eyes 82 secured to the inside of the opposite -walls of the cradle. The bolts pass through suitable sleeves S3 and have heads 84 by means of which they may be manipulated in order to tighten or loosen them. I also employ adjustable straight bolts 85 likewise arranged in suitable sleeves S6 and having heads 87. These bolts are provided at the sides and at the top of the submarine C and are arranged to abut against the walls of the cradle. They are used to center and to hold the submarine against accidental movement. Adjacent to the straight bolts at the sides of the submarine, are provider steps 88. These are located rearwardly of the bolts 85 and when the latter are projected, prevent any rearward movement of the submarine, that is, a movement out of the cradle. he bolts 85 at the upper part of the submarine contact with the topmost rail 24 and prevent any upward and downward movement of the submarine in the cradle which might be occasioned in rough weather or during the operation of he mother sub marine.

In order to release one of the secondary submarines the bolts 80 and 85 are manipulated from the inside of the submarine to withdraw them from operative positions. This will free the submarine so that it can readily slide out of the cradle. To facilitate this movement it may be desirable to trim the mother submarine so that its stern is lower than the bow, in order to give a suitable incline to the cradles. Before the submarine is removed from the cradle the cover plate 65 is moved to one side so that the member 63 can be sufliciently retracted to clear the combing 73. It will be of course understood that the inner cover plate 77 must be securely fastened in position.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In combination. a submarine mother vessel, plurality of independently operable submarine vessels associated with said mother vessel and arranged in sets along both sides thereof, said vessels of each set extending rearwardly of and laterally from said mother vessel, and means associated with said mother vessel for releasably carrying said independently operable submarine vessels.

2. in combination, a submarine mother vessel having a rearwardly opening crib permanently associated therewith and extending rearwardly and laterally therefrom, and an independcntly-operable submarine vessel removably carried in said crib.

3. In combination, a submarine mother vessel having a plurality of tubular, rearwardly opening cradles arranged at each side thereof and overlapping, said cradles extending rearwardly and laterally and at an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of said mother vessel, and an independently-op erable submarine vessel, removably carried in each of said cradles.

4. In combination. a submarine mother vessel, a plurality of cribs secured to said mother vessel and ar "anged in sets along both sides thereof, said cribs of each set extending rearwardly of and laterally from said mother vessel, an independently operable submarine vessel removably disposed in each of said cribs, and means for releasably securing said independently operable submarine vessels in said cribs.

5. In combination, a submarine mother vessel having a crib permanently associated therewith and arranged at an angle with the length thereof, an independently-operable submarine vessel removably carried in said crib, means for securing said last-mentioned submarine vessel in said crib, and means for effecting internal communication between said submarine vessels.

6. In combination, a submarine mother vessel having means for operating and propelling it, a plurality of open-ended cradles arranged at the sides of said mother vessel, an independently-operable submarine in each of said cradles, and means releasable from within each of said last-mentioned submarine vessels, for holding the same within said cradles.

7. In combination, a submarine mother vessel having means for operating and propelling it, a plurality of open-ended cradles arranged at the sides of said mother vessel, an indepenclently-operable submarine in each of said cradles, and means releasable from within each of said last-mentioned submarine vessels, for holding the same within said cradles, each of said cradles and the submarine vessel adapted to be carried. therein having registering hatches, said submarine mother vessel and each of said submarines carried in said cradles having registering hatches.

8. In combination, a submarine mother vessel having means for operating and propelling it, a plurality of open-ended cradles arranged at the sides of said mother vessel,

an independently-operable submarine in each of said cradles, and means releasable from within each of said last-mentioned submarine vessels, for holding the same within said cradles, each of said cradles and the submarine vessel adapted to be carried therein having registering hatches, said submarine mother vessel and each of said submarines carried in said cradles having registering hatches, said last-mentioned hatches having members connecting them whereby internal communication is effected between said vessels, said members being adapted to be withdrawn, said last-mentioned hatches being provided with covers each adapted to be operated and secured from within the vessel.

9. In combination, a submarine mother vessel having means for operating and propelling it, a plurality of open-ended cradles arranged at the sides of said mother vessel vessel, a cradle carried thereby and an independently-operable submarine in said cradle, said'cradle having skids and rails to receive and support said last-mentioned submarine and having a V-shaped socket adapted to receive the stem of said last-mentioned submarine.

11. In combination, a submarine mother vessel, a cradle permanently associated therewith, and a secondary submarine adapted to be received in said cradle, said secondary submarine and said cradle having cooperating devices for centering the secondary submarine in the cradle and for releasably holding it in position and a socket between said cradle and said submarine mother vessel adapted to receive the stem of said secondary submarine.

12. In combination, a cradle and a submarine vessel adapted to be received in said cradle, said submarine vessel having internally-operable, proj ectable, centering devices adapted to engage the cradle, said cradle having stops adapted to cooperate with said centering members, to prevent movement of the submarine out or" said cradle.

13. In combination, a cradle and a submarine vessel adapted to be received in said cradle, said submarine vessel having internally-operable, projecting hook members, said cradle having fixed eyes to receive said hook members, said submarine vessel having internally-operable, projectable, centering devices adapted to engage the cradle, said cradle having stops to cooperate with said last-mentioned members to prevent a movement of the submarine out of the cradle.

14. In combination, a cradle and a submarine vessel adapted to be received in said cradle, said submarine vessel having internally-operable, projecting hook members, said cradle having fixed eyes to receive said hook members, said submarine vessel having internally-operable, projectable, centering 1 15 devices adapted to engage the cradle, said cradle having stops to cooperate with said last-mentioned members to prevent a movement of the submarine out of the cradle, said cradle having a socket adapted to receive the stem of said submarine, said cradle also having rails and skids adapted for the reception of said submarine.

15. In combination, a mother vessel anda secondary submarine vessel carried thereby, said vessels having registering hatches, cover plates for 'said hatches, and a removable member extending through both of said hatches and affording a passageway.

16. In combination, a mother vessel and a secondary submarine vessel carried thereby, said vessels havlng reglsterlng hatches, cover plates for said hatches, a removable memsition, said removable member being hollow and affording a passageway.

17. In comblnatlon, a mother vessel and a secondary submarine vessel carried thereby, said vessels having registering hatch openings, a tapered, tubular member extending through said openings and adapted to be withdrawn therefrom, a cover plate adapted to cooperate with each end of said'member, and means for releasably clamping said cover plates in position.

GEORGE DORFFEL. 

